Ohio State Football: 3 Players Who Have Surprised Us in 2014

Ohio State is replacing loads of talent from last year's team, including leading rusher Carlos Hyde, top receiver Corey Brown and first-team All-American linebacker Ryan Shazier.

Three new players have helped Urban Meyer replace those lost stars.

Coming off an open week, the No. 22 Buckeyes are preparing for their last nonconference matchup of the season—a home game against Cincinnati under the lights.

But through three games, these players have been a pleasant surprise for Buckeyes fans.

Michael Thomas

Ohio State needed its receivers to step up in the wake of Braxton Miller's season-ending shoulder injury. With players such as Devin Smith and Dontre Wilson on the perimeter, new quarterback J.T. Barrett had plenty of playmakers to ease his transition into the offense.

Michael Thomas, though, has been Barrett's top pass-catcher through three games.

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Thomas—the nephew of legendary receiver Keyshawn Johnson—leads the Buckeyes in receptions (11), receiving yards (214) and touchdown receptions (four). He has recorded a touchdown in each of the Buckeyes' three games, and two of his scores have gone for more than 50 yards.

With the bevy of playmakers in Columbus, Meyer likes to rotate his receivers frequently. That's why Thomas knows he needs to make the most of his time on the field.

“I just know when a play comes, I’ve got to make it,” Thomas said, according to John Kampf of The Morning Journal. “You may not get as many chances. I just want to take advantage of my opportunities.”

Darron Lee

The Buckeyes needed a big boost at linebacker when Shazier opted out of his senior season in favor of the NFL draft. The unit was Meyer's top defensive concern a season ago, and without its best player, the group needed some young guys to step up. 

Redshirt freshman Darron Lee has answered the call.

The former 3-star prospect played quarterback and safety in high school, but he bulked up last year and surged in spring practice to lock down one of Ohio State's outside linebacker positions. And so far this season, he's playing inspired football.

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Lee is fifth among Buckeyes with 17 tackles, but he's tied with Joey Bosa for the team lead in tackles for loss with five. His fumble recovery and 61-yard touchdown return against Navy sparked an Ohio State rally in the season opener, and his all-around play and energy have given the Buckeyes defense new life.

“He probably has one of the most fiery personalities on the team," fellow linebacker Joshua Perry said, according to Bill Rabinowitz of The Columbus Dispatch. "He’s really upbeat. He’s bouncing around all the time. He’s loud. He’s got a lot of juice and energy.

"He loves picking guys up and being a catalyst.”

Meyer is hoping Lee continues to surge alongside an improving defense.

Curtis Samuel

Ezekiel Elliott appeared to be next in line with Hyde's departure—destined for big things as Ohio State's featured running back.

While that could still come to fruition, the Buckeyes have split carries to showcase their deep stable of ball-carriers. And so far, freshman Curtis Samuel has been the most productive.

Samuel and Elliott have the same number of carries (27), but the freshman is averaging a full yard more per carry. Both have rushed for two touchdowns and proved themselves as reliable pass-catchers.

Samuel has just looked better at times. He's leading the team with 171 rushing yards and has the long run of the season for the Buckeyes (26 yards). Meyer knows he's just scratching the surface.

"I've yet to see Curtis Samuel's ceiling," Meyer said, according to Bill Landis of The Plain Dealer.

All stats via Ohio State's official website. All recruiting information via 247Sports.

David Regimbal covers Ohio State football for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.